KG and Pierce look fine, C's fall to Nets 96 - 104

When Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were added to a lineup that already featured Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, and Joe Johnson, it was supposed to be 2 veterans adding their Championship experience to a potent offense and improved defense.  So far this year that hasn't been the case (for a whole lot of reasons gone over in great detail elsewhere).

For one night, however, everything apparently went according to plan.  Williams returned to the lineup in a big way, getting 24 points and 7 assists which paired well with Brook Lopez and his 26 points.  Pierce, with fractured hand in a brace that may have limited his shooting touch, played the role of facilitator - at times running the offense.  He also grabbed 7 boards and generally did the little things that a team needs done to win basketball games (no surprise to any of us).  Garnett was even more impressive with 11 points and 9 rebounds (the last of which probably sealed the game for Brooklyn).  Neither looked too old to me tonight, though I suppose you could credit adrenaline for much of that.

The Celtics made their runs during the game and got solid performances from their starters but couldn't find a way to slow down the Nets scoring.  They never gave up though.  There were several times when they fought back from large deficits to get within striking distance but the Nets eventually found an answer every time.

Celtics don't have much time to let this one sink in (or simmer as the case may be).  Doc and the Clippers are in Boston tomorrow.